HISTORY

In one sense, Selkirk College began in 1963 when the Public School Act was amended
to provide for the development of district and regional colleges. These amendments
aroused interest in the West Kootenay area where the need for a college seemed
obvious. In June of 1962 the West Kootenay Branch of the B.C. School Trustees’
Association discussed the matter in some detail and presented a brief to Dr. J. A.
MacDonald, who was then preparing the MacDonald Report on Higher Education.

In October, 1963, application was made to the Government for the establishment
of a Regional College in the West Kootenays and in December a plebiscite was held
within the six cooperating School Districts. The plebiscite demonstrated an un-
mistakable interest among the people. In accordance with the Public Schools Act, a
Regional College Council was established with James Gray of Trail as its first
Chairman. In April, 1964, an Order-In-Council passed by the Provincial Govern-
ment granted authority to establish a Regional College.

Representing the contiguous areas of Trail, Castlegar, Slocan, Grand Forks, Arrow
Lakes and Nelson, the newly appointed Regional College Council reached agree-
ment on a site for the college at Castlegar, B.C., and appointed two consultants to
undertake research towards the development of the curriculum, and to conduct sur-
veys to determine probable enrollment, course requirements and the kind of physical
facilities needed. Subsequently a competition was conducted among a large number
of architects to produce a design which would reflect the philosophy of the proposed
college. Mr. John L. Kidd, M.R.A.1.c., was declared winner of the competition; his
exciting design was accepted and he was appointed as College Architect.

After a region wide debate about Higher Education, a referendum was placed
before the people in February of 1965. The referendum passed by a 72% majority
and the Regional College became a reality.

In May, 1965, Mr. Gordon Campbell, 8.a., M.A., who had served as a consultant
to the College Council for a year, was appointed College Principal and immediately
began the work of assembling a faculty and arranging to have building contracts
awarded.

On the 18th of November, 1965, ground breaking ceremonies were held on the
new site. In April, 1966, the Regional College received its official name of Selkirk
College.

Thus, ideas, leadership and vision combined in good measure to bring about a
truly creative community achievement.

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